Review: The 10 Best Wireless Access Points (2024)

Your Guide to the Top 10 Wireless Access Points

Tired of Wi-Fi woes? Ditch the dropped calls and sluggish streams! This blog unveils the 10 best wireless access points (WAPs) of 2024, catering to every budget and need. From budget-friendly boosters to enterprise-grade powerhouses, we’ll dissect features, strengths, and ideal applications, empowering you to choose the perfect WAP for a seamless, signal-saturated home or office.

Key Takeaways:

• Speed Demons: Unleash Wi-Fi 6 and 6E for blazing-fast gigabit speeds.
• Budget Champions: Find affordable options for basic home needs.
• Business Beasts: Secure and manage networks with pro-grade features.
• Outdoor Experts: Weatherproof your Wi-Fi for backyard bliss.

Q: What are the best wireless access points in 2024?

A: Our top picks include TP-Link EAP690E (best overall), Netgear WAX630 (runner-up), Aruba Instant On AP22 (business), TP-Link Omada EAP670 (home), Cisco Meraki Go GR62 (outdoor), and more! Dive into the blog for detailed reviews and perfect pairing based on your needs.

What Is A Wireless Access Point (WAP)?

Our 10 Best Wireless Access Points (WAP) – now commonly referred to as ‘Access Points'(APs)

Wireless access points and wireless range extenders are often compared as similar, or even – mistakenly – interchangeable devices. However, they are quite different pieces of equipment.

Access Points not only extend your existing wireless network further, but also allow your network to be extended via wired functionality via an Ethernet cable plugged into Ethernet ports on both the Access Point and the additional device. Access Points access the network directly via the router with an Ethernet cable, which uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power the access point. It then becomes the wireless network access point, broadcasts its own individual signal via its internal radio. Multiple wireless devices then connect to the access point through a wireless standard, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, rather than to the router. These devices are regulated and governed by the access point’s management software. They are usually deployed in areas where the router WiFi struggles to reach. For example, your front desk is struggling to access WiFi but a router is not within range. An access point can be installed near the front desk and an Ethernet cable connects it to the network. The wireless signal strength around the front desk will be much stronger.

Wireless range extenders really just act as much, much simpler access points. They are also often called ‘wireless repeaters’. Like access points, they also provide the boost to an existing wireless signal, but only by amplifying the existing signal from the router to the areas they are placed. They can also extend the network to one or two additional devices via ethernet cables, if the range extender and additional devices both have an ethernet port.

Need an access point for your business?

We have a handy top ten for you

 

10. Meraki Go GR10-HW
Indoor Access Point

WiFi built for businesses.

Meraki Go allows you to easily add multiple WiFi networks through the Meraki Go App, so that staff, guests and point-of-sale devices can share a single internet connection. You can also set up a list of blocked websites to secure your network and easily limit usage of certain applications to protect from bandwidth overuse, prioritising your business-critical applications.

Features:

2 x 2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) with two spatial streams Security updates, tech support and warranty provided through required subscription Meraki Go smartphone app for setup, alerts and analytics Easily create up to 4 WiFi networks

Set usage limits on applications, websites or devices Block websites Ability to power through PoE or power cable

Buy Meraki Go GR12-HW Access Point

 

9. TP-Link Omada EAP225
AC1350 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Ceiling Mount Access Point

An Affordable Scalable Business Wi-Fi Solution

The Omada EAP225 by TP-Link provides a business-class wireless network solution that’s flexible, manageable, secure, and easy-to-deploy. Featuring cloud access, Omada Cloud Controller OC200 or Omada Software Controller allow users to centrally manage the entire Omada networks in the remote site. And the intuitive Omada app makes network management incredibly convenient. Omada EAPs also feature captive portal and advanced RF management functions, which make them ideal for demanding, high-traffic environments such as campuses, hotels, shopping centres and offices.

Features:

Simultaneous 450Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on 5GHz totals 1317Mbps Wi-Fi speeds Supports Seamless Roaming so even video streams and voice calls are unaffected as users move between locations Free cloud centralised management and Omada app for ultra convenience and easy management Compatibility with 802.3af and Passive PoE (PoE adpater included) support makes deployment effortless and flexible Secure guest network along with multiple authentication options (SMS/Facebook Wi-Fi/ Voucher, etc.) and abundant wireless security technologies.

Band Steering Automatically moves dual band devices onto the wider 5GHz band for faster connections MU-MIMO means access points simultaneously transfer data with multiple devices, speeding up connections Beamforming concentrates signal towards where you need it most, providing a fast and stable Wi-Fi experience Schedules can be set so access points automatically reboot and Wi-Fi turns on/off at the times you choose

Buy TP-Link Omada EAP225 Access Point

 

8. Aruba AP22
(R4W02A) Aruba Instant On 802.11ax, 2X2:2 Access Point

All the features you need plus those you really want

AP22 is a Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ (Wi-Fi 6) access point that brings higher capacity, efficiency, and performance to small businesses with dense deployments. With a maximum aggregate data rate of 1.7 Gbps, AP22 access points deliver the speed and reliability small businesses need. Perfect for reimagined offices, schools, retail stores and hospitality. The AP22 is compatible with all your legacy wireless devices – 802.11b/g/n/ac – so you won’t have to replace your smartphones and tablets. 1024-quadrature amplitude modulation (1024-QAM) enables a 25% data increase over 256 QAM, improving throughput to ensure high quality of service (QoS) for higher-density venues. Additionally, it delivers 4x the capacity of 802.11ac access points to connect more devices simultaneously.

Features:

Fast 802.11ax, 2X2:2 Wi-Fi Certified 6™ (Wi-Fi 6) MU-MIMO performance Smart Mesh Wi-Fi support Built-in Wi-Fi router/gateway functionality

Integrated Bluetooth Easy-to-use web and mobile app for setup and management Secure Guest Wi-Fi with simple setup Application classification, control and visibility

Buy Aruba AP22 WiFi 6 Access Point

 

7. Netgear WAX610
WiFi 6 Dual Band AX1800 Access Point

Ultimate Speed and Capacity with WiFi 6

Offer customers and employees the best WiFi with higher speeds, less congestion, higher device density and higher battery life for WiFi 6 devices with WAX610.

Features:

Insight cloud remote monitoring and management: 1-Year Insight subscription included Faster and more reliable WiFi due to higher throughput and more coverage with the use of both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz band simultaneously. High Performance: Get 4 Streams of WiFi 6 and speeds up to 1.8 Gb. Dual-Band Wireless Mesh: wire-free installation with other WAX610, WAX610Y, WAC540 or WAC564. One of the bands is then shared between the wireless backhaul and the devices. Compatible with WAC505/510/540 specifically but not WiFi 5 APs in general.

WiFi 6 Dual Band AX1800 Access Point, up to 1.2Gbps in 5GHz band and 600Mbps in 2.4GHz. Ideal for high density WiFi environments: supported by robust and seamless roaming between a large number of WAX610 and other NETGEAR Business WiFi APs. Multi-Gigabit Speed and PoE: Includes a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port with PoE for high speed and easy wiring. Greater Capacity and Battery Life: Enjoy 4X more connection capacity than WiFi 5 with improved efficiency for longer device battery life.

Buy NETGEAR WAX610 Access Point

 

6. Netgear WAX620
Dual Band PoE Multi-Gig WiFi 6 Access Point

Ideal for small and medium sized businesses

The NETGEAR WAX620 WiFi 6 PoE+ Access Point features a dual band 4×4 design delivering up to 3.6Gbps total WiFi throughput, supported by a 2.5Gbps Power-over-Ethernet port. The WAX620 supports the next generation WiFi 6 smart phones, IoT devices, and notebook computers, delivering up to 40% more throughput to each individual device in the 5GHz band and 100% more throughput in the 2.4GHz band, compared to the previous generation equivalent model. This access point also provides 4x the client device connection, allowing businesses to serve more customers with better speed and less congestion.

Features:

High-Performance Business WiFi Faster and more reliable dual band WiFi 6 with 8 streams. Up to 2.4Gbps in 5GHz band and 1.2Gbps in 2.4GHz band. Ideal for High Density Environments Ultimate WiFi performance for schools, hotels, restaurants, and conference centres. Greater Network Capacity Enjoy 4x more connection capacity than your current WiFi and improved efficiency for longer battery life. Seamless Wireless Mesh Wire-free installation with other WAX620, WAX610, WAX610Y, WAC540, or WAC564 access points (sold separately) creates the perfect seamless business network.

Multi-Gigabit Speed Includes a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port with PoE for high speed wired network connectivity and easy wiring. Easy Setup Set up, configure, and manage with NETGEAR Insight. Flexible Mounting Easy to securely install on the wall of a suspended ceiling with the hardware included. Business-Level Security WPA3 for the highest level of WiFi connection security. 8 Wireless Networks (SSIDs) Separate and secure networks for admin, guests, employees and IoT devices like cameras, locks and more.

Buy NETGEAR WAX620 Access Point

 

5. D-Link Nuclias CONNECT DAP-X2850
AX3600 Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band PoE Access Point

Take a Load Off and Let Your AP do the Hard Work

The Wi-Fi 6 ready DAP-X2850 is on hand to provide unbeatable speeds, greatly increased capacity and interference-free coverage throughout businesses, paired with the easy management of Connect.

The DAP-X2810’s Load Balancing feature spreads the work load between two or more Access Points to get optimal resource utilisation, throughput and response time, while Airtime Fairness helps distribute equal amounts of air time to each connected client. Band Steering auto-connects devices such as smart phones and tablets to the higher-capacity 5 GHz band while allowing devices 2.4 GHz-ready to remain. The result is a steady, consistent connection for each user – the perfect balancing act.

Features:

Easy to manage with D-Link’s free software-based management solution, Nuclias Connect Wi-Fi 6 ready: delivers greater network efficiency and lower latency, with nearly four times the capacity of previous Wi-Fi standards MU-MIMO slices through congestion, reducing wait time for all users Superior throughput with dual-band Wi-Fi offers high transfer speeds Coverage is shared more efficiently over more users with Airtime Fairness

Band Steering intelligently manages users, pushing them onto the higher radio frequency when possible Two LAN ports (2.5 Gbps and 1 Gbps) offer expansive backhaul up to wired network, eliminating bottlenecks at the AP Support for Power of Ethernet 802.3at means less wires, for cleaner and easier deployment Stay secure with the latest WPA3 Personal & Enterprise wireless encryption

Buy D-Link Nuclias CONNECT DAP-X2850 WiFi 6 Access Point

 

4. DrayTek VigorAP AP1060C
WiFi 6 Mesh Wireless Access Point

Ceiling or Wall Mounted AX 3600 Mesh Wireless PoE solution

VigorAP 1060C is a high-performance ceiling mounted Mesh Wireless solution, offering up to 3.6Gbps Dual-Band wireless performance, and up to 2.5Gb Ethernet connectivity. Its third dedicated radio helps with auto channel selection, and Wireless Intrusion Detection Systems (WIDS).

The DrayTek VigorAP 1060C is a Wi-Fi 6 AX3600 access point with 2.5Gbps Ethernet capability. The latest wireless standard dramatically improves performance, handling efficiently multiple users and devices. The technology is partially based on LTE features used on mobile networks where many connections are managed by a single AP (mast).

Features:

Mesh Wireless: Link up to 8 DrayTek VigorAP access points over wireless with Mesh. Mesh auto configures wireless links. 2.5 Gigabit Over Ethernet: Power the VigorAP 1060C through its 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet cable with standard IEEE 802.3af PoE. Easy to Configure and Manage: Quickly and easily configure VigorAPs to fit your requirements with the DrayTek Wireless app. Third Radio for RF Analytics and Security: A dedicated third radio for monitoring channels for airtime availability and wireless security with WIDS. Wi-Fi 6 – Fast & Efficient: AX3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Access Point. Speedy experience with greater capacity.

Ceiling or Wall Mounted: Flexible mounting options allow the VigorAP 1060C to be fitted to walls or ceilings easily. Wireless Security & VLANs: Secure your wireless networks with 802.1x and Access Control. Multi-SSID over Mesh: DrayTek’s Mesh solution provides separate wireless networks over Mesh with VLAN support. AP & Repeater Modes: Extend wireless signal from an existing network or use the VigorAP 1060C as a stand-alone AP. AP-Assisted Roaming: DrayTek VigorAPs ensure that clients are always connected to their closest access point.

Buy DrayTek Vigor AP1060C WiFi 6 Access Point

 

3. TP-Link EAP660 HD
AX3600 Wireless Dual-Band Multi-Gigabit Ceiling Mount Wi-Fi 6 Access Point

Ultra-High Performing AX3600 Enterprise Wireless for High-Density Environments

The TP-Link EAP660 HD AX3600 Dual Band Multi-Gigabit Ceiling Mount Access Point provides ultra-high performing enterprise wireless for high-density environments. Armed with a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Port, the EAP660 HD delivers exceptional multi-gigabit performance to support the insatiable demand for better and faster Wi-Fi. Compatibility with standard 802.3at PoE+ is ideal for flexible deployment.

The Omada Wi-Fi 6 Access Point also features the latest 802.11ax technologies like 1024 QAM and Long OFDM Symbol, which allows the EAP to boost overall speeds up to 3550 Mbps (2402 Mbps on a 5 GHz band and 1148 Mbps on a 2.4 GHz band). With 8 spatial streams, multi-user throughput is incredibly increased to drive more applications.

Features:

Ultra-Fast Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: Simultaneous 1148 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz totals 3550 Mbps Wi-Fi speeds. High-Density Connectivity: 4x increased capacity to connect more devices simultaneously. Integrated into Omada SDN: Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP), Centralised Cloud Management, and Intelligent Monitoring. Centralised Management: Cloud access and Omada app for ultra convenience and easy management. 2.5G Port: A 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port boosts total internet throughput.

Seamless Roaming: Even video streams and voice calls are unaffected as users move between locations. PoE+ Support: Supports Power over Ethernet (802.3at) for convenient deployment and installation. Secure Guest Network: Along with multiple authentication options (SMS/Facebook Wi-Fi/ Voucher, etc.) and abundant wireless security technologies.

Buy TP-Link EAP660 HD WiFi 6 Access Point

 

2. Zyxel NWA110AX
802.11ax (WiFi 6) Dual-Radio Outdoor PoE Access Point

WiFi 6, Wait No More

The NWA110AX is truly the next generation of wireless (WiFi 6) AP for businesses looking for a most economical upgrade path to 11ax. Its built-in 2nd Generation WiFi 6 (Qualcomm 802.11ax 2.0) chipset allows the access point to take advantage of the full range of WiFi 6 technologies including uplink OFDMA and MU-MIMO which can’t be found in earlier releases of 802.11ax products.

With built in support for Nebula Cloud (and NebulaFlex), Zyxel’s scalable, cloud-based management system, the NWA110AX can be managed via NCC (Nebula control Center) or simply operate alone (controller less). You can choose the way that is best suited to your needs.

Features:

Antenna type: Embedded antenna 5 GHz speed: 1200 2.4GHz speed: 575

Ethernet port: 1GbE Dimensions (mm): 180 x 180 x 39

Buy Zyxel NWA110AX WiFi 6 Access Point

 

1. Zyxel NWA220AX-6E
802.11ax (WiFi 6) Dual-Radio Outdoor PoE Access Point

WiFi 6E for High-density WiFi

WiFi 6E, the extended version of the WiFi 6, provides a huge innovation leap to wireless industry by taking it into a much wider 6GHz radio spectrum that more than doubles WiFi capacity to further meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.

It includes all the benefits of WiFi 6 capabilities like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, BSS Coloring, and brings them into the brand-new, interference-free 6GHz that more than doubles the WiFi capacity to deliver ultra-fast speed and low-latency connections.

Features:

WiFi 6E – the Fastest Speed EVER 2.5X more capacity with the new 6GHz band Flexible BandFlex radio design

Zyxel 6E Boost NWA220AX-6E for High-density WiFi Just Connect with Nebula

Buy Zyxel NWA220AX-6E WiFi 6 Access Point

 

Wireless Access Points available from Comms Express

Cisco Wireless | Cisco Meraki Wireless | Meraki Go | D-Link Access Points | DrayTek Access Points | Grandstream Wireless Access Points | HPE and Aruba Wireless | NETGEAR Wireless Access Points | TP-Link Omada Access Points | TRENDnet Wireless Access Points | Ubiquiti UniFi Wireless Access Points | Zyxel Wireless Access Points

 

If you require any further information on these or any other products that we stock here at Comms Express, please do not hesitate to contact our team who will be only too happy to help.

Until next time…